I cannot tell you the number of times I hear “I got this as a gift, so I have to keep it.”
My next question is always, “do you even like it?” Even though most of the time the answer is no, my clients feel pressured to keep it. “What if my mom asks to see it when she comes over?”
First of all, who seriously does that? Secondly, tell them I made you throw it away. I will gladly take the blame to help create the clutter-free life you crave.
Many of my clients, who are overwhelmed with stuff, accumulate it from others. Whether it’s from friends or family members, gifts tend to turn into clutter. The downside to giving things is that the gift receiver feels a sense of guilt giving it away. The intentions are always good, but the result tends to leave some people overwhelmed and rattled with guilt.
When buying gifts this holiday season, think experiences, services, or something that can be consumed.
Experiences
Give to that person’s favorite charity or organization
Plan a trip with or for that person
Plan a day with that person (museums, try a new restaurant, create a tour)
Tickets to a movie, concert, or event
Plant a tree in honor of that person
Take a cooking class together
Do something creative (painting workshop, floral arrangement, embroidery or sewing lessons)
Sporting event tickets
Annual passes to zoo, aquarium, or museums
Theater tickets
Art or music lessons
Tennis or golf lessons
Escape room tickets
Seasonal recreational sports memberships
Hunting and Fishing licenses
Services
Free night of babysitting
Cook a meal for the other person
Gift certificate to a spa (mani, pedi, massage, or facial)
Gift certificate for a house cleaner
Gift certificate for a professional organizer
Gift certificate for a personal trainer
Pet services (grooming, boarding, or pet daycare)
Carwash/detail services
Consumable
Audible subscription
Streaming services subscriptions
CSA box from a local farm
Iverstine Farms meat subscription box
Red Stick Spice tea or spice subscription box
Counterspace BR cookie subscription box
Wine or beer of the month club
Meal delivery service (Blue Apron or Hello Fresh)
The memories of these gifts will last forever with your family and friends and will relieve the stress of receiving more stuff this holiday season.
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